By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Farmers in Kaduna State are raising alarms over a surge in destructive worms and harmful insects ravaging their dry-season sweet potato farms.

The infestation has led to significant crop losses, threatening their livelihoods and food supply in the region.

During a recent field visit by science and environmental journalists, affected farmers lamented that a large portion of their harvested sweet potatoes had been damaged.

They noted that the continuous pest attacks have forced them to sell the remaining potatoes at significantly reduced prices along riverbanks, despite the prevailing inflation and high cost of living in the state.

Sweet potatoes, a staple crop for many Nigerians, thrive in warm climates, particularly at temperatures above 24°C.

However, farmers say that in addition to climate-related challenges, pests have become a major obstacle to production this season.

The presence of worms in the potatoes has particularly discouraged buyers, further compounding the farmers’ financial struggles.

The affected farmers are now calling on the Kaduna State government and relevant agricultural agencies to step in urgently with support.

They urge the government to provide pesticides, introduce sustainable pest control methods, and train farmers on modern farming techniques to mitigate future outbreaks.

“We are losing a lot of our produce to these worms and insects. If this continues, many of us will be forced out of business. We need government intervention to help us tackle this crisis before it gets worse,” said Sani Musa, a concerned farmer.

The crisis highlights the need for immediate action to protect the livelihoods of local farmers and ensure the availability of affordable sweet potatoes in Nigerian markets.

Stakeholders are now looking to the government for swift measures to curb the infestation and prevent further economic strain on the farmers and the general populace.